Device for a grip of a tennis racquet

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device ( 1 ) for a grip ( 3 ) of a tennis racquet, comprising a grip shell ( 2 ) that can be connected at least in a force-locked manner to the grip ( 3 ) and has a contouring ( 4 ) for at least partially receiving the grip hand ( 16 ), wherein the device comprises a fastening means ( 5 ) that can be opened and is connected to the grip shell ( 2 ) for fastening same to the grip ( 3 ). In order to provide especially advantageous handling conditions, according to the invention the grip shell ( 2 ) comprises at least partially elastic grip shell ends ( 2 ′) and the fastening means ( 5 ) comprises a band ( 14 ) having a hook-and-loop fastener ( 12 ), wherein the band ( 14 ) is connected to the grip shell ends ( 2 ′).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device for a handle of a tennis racket, with a handle shell that can be attached to the handle at least by force action and that has a contoured shape for at least partial accommodation of the hand holding the handle, wherein the device is provided with openable fastening means, which is attached to the handle shell for fastening it on the handle.

PRIOR ART

In order to improve the gripping of a racket for ball sports, it is known from the prior art (DE1781753U) to attach to the racket handle a device having a handle surface with a shape adapted to the hand holding the handle. This is achieved, for example, by providing crosswise furrows for the fingers, a protrusion for the palm of the hand and an inclined furrow corresponding to the thumb. It is indeed possible to improve or facilitate the gripping of a racket in this way, because owing to the contour of the handle surface, twisting of the racket can be reduced with even small application of force compared with conventionally used racket handles having round or octagonal cross section, although it is disadvantageous that this device may not allow for any possible changes of position of the hand holding the handle on the racket handle. One position is fixed by the handle surface provided permanently on the racket. Regripping to a different handle position, such as from forehand grip to backhand or continental grip, is therefore made considerably more difficult, whereby such devices are comparatively unwieldy and inflexible to use. In addition, it is also disadvantageously necessary to prepare the racket mechanically for the mounting of the device, in the course of which process the universal usability of the racket is restricted. Such devices are therefore comparatively inflexible and cumbersome to use, which may represent a distinct restriction in the ease of use.

Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,110A or U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,749A relate to devices with a contoured shape for the accommodation of a hand holding the handle. Diverse shell parts of the device are positioned over a handle of the tennis racket and then screwed together or pushed into a groove on the handle and secured on the handle with a clamping screw. Such devices are comparatively cumbersome for attaching to or detaching from a handle of the tennis racket, and even necessitate a disadvantageous machining of the racket handle.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention has therefore set itself the task of structurally improving a device for a handle of a tennis racket of the type depicted in the introduction in such a way that in the first place it is not damaged during attachment of the device to or detachment of it from the racket handle, but nevertheless holds this handle shell securely on the racket handle and can be adapted flexibly in its position to different handle geometries.

The invention accomplishes the set task by the fact that the handle shell has at least partly elastic handle-shell ends and the fastening means has a tape with a hook-and-loop fastener, wherein the tape is attached to the handle-shell ends.

If the handle shells have at least partly elastic handle-shell ends and the fastening means has a tape with a hook-and-loop fastener, wherein the tape is attached to the handle-shell ends, this may offer the advantage that the handle shell is able to conform better to the geometry of the racket handle. In this way an improved attachment by force action or an especially stable positioning of the handle shell on the racket handle can be assured, which is a prerequisite for direct force transmission from the hand holding the handle to the racket, without impairing the characteristics of the racket for ball sports—for example with respect to ball control or cushioning. Likewise it is conceivable to improve characteristics of the racket for ball sports—such as vibration damping, for example—additionally by virtue of the device according to the invention (e.g. by additional coating of the device with elastic plastics). In addition, the device according to the invention permits attachment to a racket handle without impairing the predetermined, especially ergonomic contoured shape of the handle shell. By virtue of the openable fastening means according to the invention, therefore, attachment of a handle shell to and detachment from a racket handle is therefore made possible—and, in fact, at any position of the racket handle. In particular, this may also play a significant role, since it may be necessary to change the gripping of the racket predetermined by the positioning of the device on the racket handle—e.g. when for training purposes the gripping of the racket is to be changed from forehand to continental grip. In addition, the device offers the advantage that it can be detached from the racket handle and reattached to the racket handle, by merely loosening the attachment thereto; therefore it is not absolutely necessary to separate the device from the racket handle, which in turn improves the handling of the device. The position of the device according to the invention may therefore be changed without great time consumption and exertion of force on the racket handle. Compared with the prior art, therefore, it may ensure not only that the handle shell can be held securely on the racket handle but also that it can be adapted flexibly in its position to different handle geometries, without having to damage the racket while doing so. By virtue of such a fastening, the strength of the attachment of the handle shell by force action may be varied in addition, and the shape of the device according to the invention may be adapted to the requirements corresponding to the configuration of the racket handle. Thus it is possible, for example, to attach the device to racket handles that are differently sized in their cross-sectional diameters, by changing the tightening effect of the fastening means on the ends of the handle shell. In addition, the device according to the invention may an attachment of the handle shell to the racket handle by force action, which can be established or loosened quickly and simply, and this may result in significant handling advantages.

A tape with fastening means provided with hook-and-loop fastener may be particularly successful. By virtue of such a fastening means, the strength of the attachment of the handle shell by force action can be varied and the shape of the device according to the invention can be adapted appropriately to the requirements corresponding to the configuration of the racket handle. Thus it is possible, for example, to attach the device to racket handles that are differently sized in their cross-sectional diameters, by changing the tightening effect of the fastening means on the ends of the handle shell. In addition, a tape with fastening means provided with hook-and-loop fastener makes it possible to establish or loosen the attachment of the handle shell to the racket handle by force action quickly and simply, which may result in significant handling advantages.

If the fastening means attaches the handle shell to the handle by force action, the effort of operation can be further simplified. For example, rapid and extremely variable positioning of the handle shell on the handle of the racket may be possible in this way, without concern for handle geometries, for example diameters and/or cross-sectional profiles. Moreover, and in contrast to the prior art, actions for changing the shape of the racket handle can be avoided by virtue of the fastening construction according to the invention, and nevertheless a more secure hold of the device on the handle can be guaranteed. Furthermore, impairment of the universal usability of a racket or damage to or machining of a racket for the purpose of the fastening of the device on the racket handle, which in turn may negatively influence the characteristics of the racket, for example the vibration damping, can be avoided. The conventional usability of the racket after detachment of the device from the racket handle also remains unaffected, whereby the device may be universally usable.

In general, it is mentioned that a tape of adjustable length can be formed by the tape with a hook-and-loop fastener, in order that the two shell ends can be pulled together therewith. Any other length adjustments of the tape, for example with the help of a clasp, spiral finger rings, etc., are conceivable.

If the handle shell is provided with an elastic plastic, then the handle shell may be shaped so variably that at most it partly envelops the racket handle and conforms or adapts to the thickness or diameter and/or the shape or cross-sectional profile of the racket handle in the course of the attachment to the racket by force action. This offers the advantage of a universal usability of the device according to the invention, since even stable attachments may be ensured for the most diverse handle thicknesses or handle shapes (rackets for adults, rackets for children, etc.). A handle shell consisting advantageously of elastic plastic may also be positioned quickly and simply on a racket handle, even when the racket handle has thickened portions or a butt in the region of the handle end. In other words, the handle shell can be adapted in its diameter according to need, in order that it may then be pushed over the butt, for example.

If the handle shell is provided exclusively with a contoured shape for the at least partial accommodation of thumb and/or index finger of the hand holding the handle, then the gripping of the racket handle by the hand holding the handle can be improved as well as facilitated. In this way slipping of the hand holding the handle from the racket handle or even twisting of the racket handle in the hand holding the handle can be reduced in comparison to the conventionally provided racket handles with round or octagonal cross section, even when the racket handle is being gripped with slight exertion of force. For persons who are inexperienced in the handling of a racket for ball sports, this advantage plays a particular role, since they usually grip the racket handle very tightly and tensely. Because of this unaccustomed stress, physical discomfort can easily develop in the region of the hand holding the handle or of the arm. However, even for persons whose hand holding the handle is not strongly enough developed (which is also the case in particular for children and teen-agers), the handling of a racket for ball sports can be facilitated or the gripping of the racket can be improved and stabilized by virtue of the device according to the invention. In addition, it may be possible to predetermine a particular gripping of the racket handle by the positioning of the device according to the invention on the racket handle. Thus improper gripping of the racket due to imprecise positioning of the hand holding the handle on the racket handle can also be avoided, as can the risk that the position of the hand holding the handle on the racket handle will change, for example due to slipping.

If the contoured shape of the handle shell has a stop for the side of the hand holding the handle extending beyond the index finger and thumb and/or a stop for the mutually facing sides of index and middle finger, then the device may make it possible to freely select the position of the ring finger and small finger of the hand holding the handle on the racket handle. In this way the position of the hand holding the handle on the racket handle can be predetermined, without restricting the individual technique of gripping of the racket handle, by the predetermination of a positioning of all fingers of the hand holding the handle.

If the inside of the handle shell is provided with a coating of rubber, then the contact of the handle shell with the racket handle and thus the attachment of the handle shell to the racket handle by force action can be additionally improved. In addition, a rubber coating may further reduce a potential slippage of the handle shell on the racket handle by virtue of increased frictional resistance between racket handle and the device according to the invention. In addition, a coating of the inside of the handle shell with rubber may make it possible to improve characteristics of the racket, for example with respect to its vibration damping.

If the handle shell comprises an inner part that can be attached to the racket handle and an outer part provided with the contoured shape, wherein the inner part and the outer part are attached adjustably relative to one another via at least one rail guide, then quick adjustment of the handle shell to different positions may be made possible via linear displacement. Moreover, it is conceivable to provide a scale on the inner part, in order to ensure that different adjustments can be made to exact positions.

If the device is provided with handle-shell ends spaced apart from one another, the attachment of the device to a racket handle can be improved and facilitated. In this way, it may be ensured, among other options, that the device can be used as variably as possible with its shape and size. In particular, handle-shell ends spaced apart from one another may prove to be a substantial advantage for racket handles with smaller diameter, since the overlapping of these ends due to the resulting undesired distortion of the device on the racket handle may impair the gripping thereof. Likewise the said tightening effect of the fastening means on the ends of the handle shell may be exerted and varied particularly advantageously. Thus it is possible, among other options, to attach the device to racket handles that are differently sized in their cross-sectional diameter as well as to establish or loosen an attachment quickly and simply. Moreover, the shell may be mounted so as to be normal to the longitudinal extent of the racket handle. In this way it is not necessary to push the shell on, which usually may be made difficult by a butt at the end of the handle.

If the handle shell, in its longitudinal extent, accommodates the hand holding the handle at most partly, the said advantages of the free selectability of the position of the fingers on a racket handle are further improved. Likewise a variable usability of the device—largely independent of shape and/or size of a racket handle—may be achieved. In addition, the feel of the racket while playing with the racket may be preserved despite use of a shell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

By way of example, the subject matter of the invention is illustrated in more detail on the basis of an exemplary embodiment in the drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of the device for a tennis racket handle,

FIG. 2 shows an overhead view of the device according to FIG. 1 from a different viewing angle,

FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the device fastened onto a racket handle, and

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a schematic diagram of the gripping of a device attached to a racket handle from different perspectives.

METHOD OF EXECUTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows exclusively the handle shell 2 of the device 1 illustrated by way of example. According to FIGS. 2 and 3, a handle 3 of an incompletely illustrated tennis racket, on which the handle shell 2 is mounted, is additionally illustrated. The handle shell 2 can be attached to the handle 3 by force action and, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, is provided with an at least partly contoured shape 4, which is adapted to a hand holding the handle but not illustrated in more detail or can accommodate the hand 16 holding the handle at least partly. In its longitudinal extent, the handle shell 2 accommodates the hand 16 holding the handle partly, whereby movability and positioning of the fingers that are not accommodated remain unaffected, among other considerations. In order that a device 1 that can be used flexibly and held stably on the handle 3 can now be created or that it can also be mounted extremely flexibly at different positions on the racket handle 3, the device 1 is equipped with openable fastening means 5, as can be recognized in FIG. 3. By virtue of the fastening means 5 and the handle shell 2, the device 1 envelops the handle 3, whereby a particularly slip-proof hold of the device 1 on the handle 3 can be ensured.

The contact or the hold of the handle shell 2 with or on the handle 3 can be additionally improved when the handle shell 2 consists of an elastic material, especially plastic. The fastening means 5 fastened to the handle-shell ends 2′ is able in particular to tighten these handle-shell ends 2′ on the handle 3 and in this way to adapt the handle shell 2 better to the racket handle 3, whereby the attachment between handle shell 2 and racket handle 3 by force action and thus the stability can be increased.

For improved universal usability, the handle shell 2 forms exclusively a contoured shape 4 for at least partial accommodation of thumb and index finger, not illustrated, of the hand 16 holding the handle. Thus an accommodating portion for the thumb 10 and for index finger 6 is disposed in the contoured shape.

Moreover, the contoured shape 4 of the handle shell 2 forms a stop 8 for the mutually facing sides 8′ of index and middle fingers, in order to prevent slipping of the hand around and along the racket handle surface 9. A stop 11 for the side 11′ of the hand 16 holding the handle and extending beyond index finger and thumb is likewise provided, in order to prevent slipping of the hand 16 along and around the longitudinal axis 9 of the racket handle 3, which can be better seen in FIG. 2.

The fastening means 5 is provided as a tape 14 with hook-and-loop fastener 12, so that the fastening means 5 is adjustable in width in simple manner and is also openable. A tab 13 of the tape 14 is disposed following the hook-and loop fastener 12 in order to form a fastening axis 15 of the handle shell 2.

The handle-shell ends 2′ are spaced apart from one another, whereby an attachment according to the invention of the device 1 is possible even to racket handles that have a relatively small diameter—any overlapping of the handle-shell ends 2′ could likewise impair the ease of handling of the device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rubber coating 7 of the inside of the handle shell 2 of the device according to the invention, which coating is compressed by tightening of the handle shell 2 on the racket handle by using the fastening means, thus permitting improved contact of the handle shell 2 with the racket handle 3. This form-fitting envelopment of the racket handle permits a particularly firm and stable attachment of handle shell 2 and racket handle 3.

FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically show the gripping of the device attached to a racket handle in a hand 16 holding the handle. Particularly evident are the stop 8 for the mutually facing sides of index and middle fingers as well as the stop 11 for the side of the hand 16 holding the handle extending beyond index finger and thumb. 

1. Device for a handle (3) of a tennis racket, with a handle shell (2) that can be attached to the handle (3) at least by force action and that has a contoured shape (4) for at least partial accommodation of the hand (16) holding the handle, wherein the device is provided with openable fastening means (5), which is attached to the handle shell (2) for fastening it on the handle (3), wherein the handle shell (2) has at least partly elastic handle-shell ends (2′) and the fastening means (5) has a tape (14) with a hook-and-loop fastener (12), wherein the tape (14) is attached to the handle-shell ends (2′).
 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the handle shell (2) is provided with an elastic plastic, and in particular consists of same.
 3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the handle shell (2) is provided exclusively with a contoured shape (4) for at least partial accommodation of thumb (10) and/or index finger (6) of the hand (16) holding the handle.
 4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the contoured shape (4) of the handle shell (2) has a stop (11) for the side of the hand (16) holding the handle extending beyond the index finger and thumb and/or a stop (8) for the mutually facing sides of index and middle finger.
 5. Device according to claim 1, wherein the inside of the handle shell (2) is provided with a coating of rubber (7).
 6. Device according to claim 1, wherein the handle shell (2) comprises an inner part that can be attached to the racket handle (3) and an outer part provided with the contoured shape (4), wherein the inner part and the outer part are attached adjustably relative to one another via at least one rail guide.
 7. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device (1) is provided with handle-shell ends (2′) spaced apart from one another.
 8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the handle shell (2), in its longitudinal extent, accommodates the hand (16) holding the handle at most partly. 